Rush to buy super fast Mac

Mac enthusiasts are rushing to buy what Apple is calling the fastest desktop computer on the market.

19 Aug 2003 14:52 GMT

Arrival of G5 has been described as a new era in computing

More than 100,000 Power Mac G5s have been ordered since it was jointly introduced by IBM and Apple at the end of the June, said the latter in a statement on Monday.

The Power Mac G5 uses of 64-bit processing technology, which refers to the amount of data a computer chip can process. Although servers already use 64-bit processors – made by rival firm Intel - personal computers normally use 32-bit chips.

The arrival of the 64-bit G5 - promising more realistic looking games and smoother video playback - has caused a stir in computer circles.

The New York Times hailed it as “a new era in computing”, adding it would help everyday computer users by delivering “remarkable improvements in audio and visual effects”.

Claims contested

But the claim that the G5 is the fastest desktop machine to date may be exaggerated. According to Microprocessor Report, a computer industry newsletter, specially designed desktop computers with streamlined functions reached 64-bit power in the mid-1990s.

And critics claim Apple has downplayed the power of rival Intel’s Pentium IV chip. The 3.0 GHz Pentium that Apple compared its chip against has been superceded by a 3.2 GHz version.

Nevertheless, Apple will be hoping the G5, which costs between $2,000 and $3,000, will boost recently sluggish Power Mac sales. In the last three months, the US-based company sold 156,000 Power Macs, down from 211,000 a year earlier.

But Apple’s advantage may not last long; chip manufacturer Advanced Micro Devices is reportedly planning to bring out a 64-bit processor for Windows PCs next month.